Repentance

READ: MATTHEW 3:1-17; 4:12-17; JOHN 4:13-14; ACTS 3:19-21

I thought this would quench my thirst

I’ve felt so empty

And this promised to fulfill

But something is wrong

I’m so caught up

I barely hear the whisper

“Repent,” You say

I stop in my tracks

Realize what I’m doing hurts others

Hurts You

I feel a pull inside myself

An urge to right what is wrong

My heart turns toward You

My body moves with it

My mind knows the truth

And now I face the other way

And step toward my Savior • Naomi Zylstra

• Did you know the word repent means to turn? When we repent, we confess and turn away from our sin, and turn to God. Repentance is a gift from God. Sin is harmful, and God the Holy Spirit moves in us, helping us recognize our sin, and empowering us to turn away from it and receive His forgiveness. What might it look like for you to turn away from sin in your life with your heart, mind, and body? (Psalm 119:36-37; Matthew 22:37-40; Acts 14:15)

• In Matthew 3, many people were coming to John the Baptist and repenting, but the religious leaders were clinging to their power and influence. What are some of the barriers to repentance in your life? Jesus invites us to bring all these things to Him and behold His goodness. He died on the cross and rose from the dead for us. Knowing Him is far better than anything else we crave. In Him we find forgiveness, newness of life, and love that fills all our deepest longings.

Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17b (NIV)